Meet our team

While living in Edinburgh, I came across Girls Who Walk Edinburgh. I was always too busy with work and friends to go, but I loved the concept. After doing a bit of research, I discovered there were Girls Who Walk groups all over the world, including Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee and Inverness… but not Aberdeen.
So I decided to change that.

After just a few posts in Facebook groups, our very first walk had 40+ women turn up. Which honestly still shocks me. What started as a small idea quickly became a group of women all looking for the same thing: connection, community, and a place to feel included.

A year on, we now have hundreds of women in the group, and I couldn’t be more grateful.

Since starting Girls Who Walk Aberdeen, we’ve done so many walks and events from art classes, wine tastings, bingo and quiz nights, to dance classes and even a Bridgerton-themed Christmas ball.
I’m so thankful for what this community has become, and I’m so excited to see what’s still to come!

What kind of space would you love to help create?

A space where everyone can be unapologetically themselves & find likeminded individuals!

How long have you been a part of GWWA?

Since September, but I needed some time to build up the courage to join an activity! I first joined a meetup in December.

Vivian is our Girls Who Walk LGBTQ+ Community Host

You’ll find Vivian in the LGBTQ+ sub-group helping to organise meetups and answering any questions you might have. We’re so grateful to have her helping create a safe, welcoming space within the GWWA community.

You’re the Community Host for the LGBTQ+ group. What does this space mean to you?

Since moving to Scotland in 2018, I have been doing a lot of work to find community. Building a life in a new place is never easy and it takes time. By stepping outside of my comfort zone and actively seeking out queer spaces, I was introduced to Girls Who Walk through the LGBTQ+ community group. By chance, I chose to sit at a table full of friendly, welcoming strangers at an event who had all known each other through GWW. From there, I joined the group and began attending events to meet more people within the community. This space has provided a launching pad for building connection and shared experiences. It is a safe, welcoming place to just simply be you.

What made you want to be involved in helping run this group within GWW Aberdeen?

As others had so graciously encouraged and welcomed me in the group, I hope I can help return the favour to others.

What kind of environment do you hope to create for people coming along?

I want to help create spaces that are inclusive and safe for all folks on the LGBTQIA+ spectrum. In my own experience, being bi in a straight-presenting relationship can sometimes feel like an intimidating way to enter a queer space, so I hope that by being more visible about my own journey, I can also help encourage more people to feel comfortable and safe to come along, without feeling intimidated or like they don't belong. I want to continue to create an authentic, friendly space that is a place for all women-- trans, cis, and non-binary -- within the LGBTQ+ community to connect.

What would you say to someone who’s LGBTQ+ and feels nervous or unsure about joining a new community space?

I was also nervous and unsure about joining. Battling with my own imposter syndrome in addition to being extremely socially anxious, I took a real leap of faith and joined, not quite knowing what to expect. And I am so glad I did! Everyone was so welcoming and kind. This is a community space for everyone that offers connection and a safe place to be yourself. There is no expectation. You can choose to engage with the community space as much or as little as you want. Whether it is just for a friendly chat on the WhatsApp channel or to meet other LGBTQ+ people in the area, you can use this space as it best works for you. It's okay to be nervous, it's okay to be unsure, but I hope that like me, you'll find a safe place here to help build community.

One thing that helps you feel safe and comfortable in social settings

Of course it depends on the situation, but often wearing familiar, comfortable clothes helps me feel calmer and safer, especially in an unfamiliar social setting. If I find myself having to combat more severe anxiety, I try to ground myself in the situation through box breathing or trying to notice things around me such as the temperature of my drink, my feet on the floor, or individual sounds. I think also remembering that you are always free to stay or leave a social engagement at any time gives the brain the comfort within that freedom. Usually once I give myself time to sink into a new setting and get past the initial nerves, I then begin to feel more comfortable as the conversation starts flowing and as strangers start to turn into friends. And finally, I think it is important to remember that you are not alone. Meeting new people is a brave thing to do, it is natural to feel nervous and you'd maybe be surprised at how many people are feeling the same way.

A small joy, comfort, or interest you’re loving lately

This winter has felt particularly bleak, and I have been taking solace in a nice hot cup of chai tea with oat milk. In my opinion, the perfect warm drink with warming spices to help bring some comfort!

Other recent small joys include spotting signs of nature's calendar such as snowdrops peeking through the ground or the drum of a woodpecker, indications of the changing season.

Jocelyn is our GWWA 30+ Community Host.

She’ll be helping to organise meetups within the 30+ sub-groups and will be on hand to answer any questions you might have.

What would you say to someone in their 30s (or older) who feels nervous about joining a new group?

First of all, I am the same. That little “should I really go?” voice is very real. But the truth is, almost everyone shows up feeling a bit unsure. You don’t need to know anyone or be chatty. Just showing up is a win, everyone is there for connection.

As the 30+ Community Host, what do you enjoy most about this stage of life?

This stage of life feels calmer and more grounded. There are less pressure to prove yourself and more room for genuine connection, which makes building community feel really special.

Why did you join Girls Who Walk?

I joined because I wanted community that felt low-pressure and real. Walking side by side makes conversation feel easier and it is such a simple way to move your body while meeting people who also want fresh air and good company.

What would you say to someone nervous about joining?

You don’t need to commit to anything beyond one walk. Come as you are whether it is a quiet day, an awkward day, or anything in between. Everything is welcome and chances are, you will leave feeling lighter than when you arrived.

What kind of space would you like to help create

A warm, inclusive space where you can show up exactly as you are. A place for laughter, honesty, shared steps and the reminder that you don’t have to do life alone.

How long have you been a part of GWW?

A year!

Sarah is our Girls Who Photo Community Host.

She’s an incredible photographer and you can find her work at @windsweptstories
We’re so lucky to have her in the group! Sarah will be helping to organise photography walks and you’ll find her in the Girls Who Photo sub-group chatting all things photography.

You’re the Community Host for the Photography group. What kind of photography do you enjoy most?

I'm a wedding photographer and I LOVE my job - it's genuinely my favourite kind of photography, reacting quickly to the people around me - but, outside of work, I like to do the complete opposite. I love going for photo walks in urban areas, photographing architecture and street scenes slowly (but, don't worry - I'm up for exploring pretty places, too!).

What made you join Girls Who Walk Aberdeen?


Oh, for the purely selfish reason that I would like to have more people to chat to who don't mind me stopping every six footsteps to photograph weird reflections.

What kind of atmosphere do you want the photography group to have?

Relaxed and non-competitive!

What would you say to someone who loves taking photos but doesn’t feel “good enough” to join a photography group?

There are no right and wrong ways to take photos - the more you take, the better you'll become and the more you'll find your own style. But, honestly, taking photos doesn't have to be about making them GOOD - there's a lot to be said for just letting the camera slow you down and notice a bit more beauty in the world. Come along and have fun - there's no pressure to take pictures and no pressure to show anyone, if you do.

One thing you love photographing (or always notice when you’re out and about)?

Shadows and light; strong geometric shapes. And cats, even if they're just a vague blurry shape running away from me at high speed.

What’s a small thing that brings you comfort or joy outside of photography?

My kids would resent being called "small things" so let's go for my garden instead - it's messy but colourful and full of noisy birds.

Holly is our Community Host for Girls Who Read and Girls Who Gym.

She’ll be helping to organise meetups for both sub-groups and will be around to answer any questions you might have. Holly has created Girls Who Walk Aberdeen's bookclub which you can find in the Girls who Read sub group.

Favourite gym activity

Stairmaster

Favourite book at the moment

The cruel prince

Why did you join Girls Who Walk Aberdeen?

I wanted to push myself to meet new people, as I don’t use social media (other than WhatsApp) it can make it difficult to grow a larger social bubble.

What would you say to someone who’s nervous about joining?

Everyone has the same goal one way or another, we’re all here to meet new people with an open mind.

What kind of space would you love to help create?

Meeting new people can be difficult and anxiety inducing, I’d love to help ease this in any way I can.

How long have you been part of GWWA?

I joined last year!